Civil Engineering Professor Diane Moug career trajectory emphasizes a dedication to both research and mentorship. Central to Moug's recent achievements is her receipt of the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Career Award, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the field of civil engineering. Expressing her gratitude for this accolade, Moug remarks, "I am incredibly honored and humbled to get the career award. It's very affirming, in that what I'm pursuing and what I'm passionate about has something that I can contribute back." Moug joins the ranks of Maseeh College’s five other Career winners: Ilke Celik and Alex Hunt in the mechanical engineering department, Ehsan Aryafar and Fang Song from computer science, and John Lipor an electrical and computer engineering professor.
In her lab, Moug researches intricate mechanics of soil behavior, particularly in response to seismic activity prevalent in the Pacific Northwest. Her work not only examines the complexities of soil mechanics but also explores innovative strategies for enhancing soil stability. Of particular note is her investigation into microbially induced desaturation, an approach that leverages soil microbes to fortify soil against liquefaction during earthquakes. Drawing inspiration from her experience of post-earthquake reconnaissance following the February 6 2023 Turkiye/Syria earthquake, Moug's work focuses on enhancing our understanding of soil behavior under seismic loading. "Our work seeks a better understanding of how the soils here in the Pacific Northwest will respond to earthquake loading," explains Moug, emphasizing the urgency of preparing for seismic events in vulnerable regions like Portland.
At the core of Moug's work lies a commitment to refining tools and methodologies for soil assessment and design optimization. Her work on geotechnical projects underscores her conviction that a robust knowledge of the ground conditions and foundation soil are essential for sustainable infrastructure. "Geotechnical considerations should never be relegated to the sidelines of a project, the geotech forms the foundation of our infrastructure," she asserts, emphasizing the pivotal role that data-driven geotechnical insights can provide to enhancing engineering practices.
Moug's dedication extends beyond the confines of research, as she endeavors to bridge the gap between students and opportunities in engineering. Collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders, Moug is at the forefront of outreach efforts aimed at fostering connections and providing resources for aspiring engineers. "It's important to me that we're able to strengthen those connections... let them know about the different courses and fields of study and research opportunities," asserts Moug, highlighting the significance of mentorship and support in facilitating students' academic journeys. She also spearheads outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening connections between community college students and the Civil & Environmental Engineering department. "It's vital to facilitate smoother transitions for students transferring into engineering at PSU," she emphasizes. Through collaborative efforts, Moug and her team aspire to connect community college students to opportunities in Geotechnical Engineering, the Civil & Environmental Engineering department, and MCECS, while fostering a supportive environment that extends beyond the confines of the university.
Reflecting on her own experience as a student, Moug reminisces about the scarcity of female representation in the field during her formative years. She notes, "When I was going through undergrad, I did not have many female engineering professors. I hope it is valuable for current engineering students to have a female instructor and researcher." Through her presence as a female role model in academia, Moug seeks to empower and mentor the next generation of engineers at Maseeh College, particularly young women, as they navigate establishing their engineering careers.
In her career, Moug has worked to advance geotechnical engineering knowledge in the Portland area, working in tandem with colleagues to expand educational and professional opportunities for budding engineers. Reflecting on her collaborative endeavors, Moug commends her civil engineering colleague Arash Khosravifar for his work and leadership and acknowledges the collective efforts they hope will make a lasting impact on the local engineering landscape.
Looking ahead, Moug remains steadfast in her pursuit of transformative solutions to pressing engineering challenges. With ongoing collaborations with organizations such as the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State University, she continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in soil mechanics and foundation engineering. As Moug continues to redefine the landscape of infrastructure design and inspire the next generation of innovators, she notes "There's lots of room to innovate and to apply these big and creative solutions to the field." Underscoring the potential for transformative change in engineering, Moug’s research suggests that the soil beneath our feet holds the key to a safer, more resilient future.